KUNARROWSVICECHANCELLORSEARCHFIELDTO 5

A Kansas University committee has narrowed the search for a new vice chancellor for academic affairs to five people, including one KU faculty member.

"We're pleased with the pool, the interest in the position," said Ann Weick, chair of the search committee and dean of KU's School of Social Welfare.

The committee is looking for a replacement for Del Brinkman, who decided to resign from the job and return to teaching journalism at KU.

According to KU sources, people still in the running are:

-- David Shulenburger, acting vice chancellor for academic affairs at KU. He took over the job in January. He was named KU's associate vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1989 and joined KU's business faculty in 1974. He has a doctorate in economics.

-- Robert Altenkirch, dean of the College of Engineering at Mississippi State University. He became dean in 1988. He was a candidate last year with Shulenburger for the executive vice chancellor's job at KU.

-- Harley Flack, provost and executive vice president of Rowan College of New Jersey in Glassboro. He's been in that position since 1989 and has a doctorate in counseling psychology.

-- Gladys S. Johnston, provost at DePaul University in Chicago. She was named provost in 1990. Her doctorate is in educational administration.

-- Mary K. Tetreault, dean of the School of Human Development and Community Service at California State University in Fullerton. She's been dean since 1987 and has a doctorate in women's studies.

As of last week, all five had visited campus for meetings with about a dozen student, faculty and staff groups.

Weick declined to confirm the names of finalists.

The vice chancellor for academic affairs is the chief academic officer for the Lawrence campus. He or she has jurisdiction over academic deans, libraries, the Helen Foresman Spencer Museum of Art and continuing education programs.

Shulenburger said he didn't think it was appropriate to comment on his candidacy while the search was in progress.

"I'd rather not," he said.

Flack said he was nominated for the position. He said he was impressed by KU's faculty and students during his visit to the university.

"Of course, KU enjoys an excellent reputation in terms of teaching and research programs. I found the reputation to be well deserved," he said.

The other candidates couldn't be reached for comment.

Weick said the goal is to submit a recommendation to Chancellor Gene Budig and Executive Vice Chancellor Ed Meyen in early June. The search began in February.

"We're in the process of gathering final thoughts," said committee member Richard Morrell, university registrar.

Mike Kautsch, dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and search committee member, said the finalists have extensive experience in academic settings.

"We were fortunate to attract a lot of interest from people who have had solid administrative experience," he said.